Country music star Luke Bryan teased fans with hints about who could potentially replace Katy Perry as a judge on the hit reality TV show American Idol. 

With Perry announcing her departure from the show after four seasons, speculation has been rife about who will fill her shoes and bring their own unique perspective to the judging panel. Bryan's insights have only added fuel to the fire – leaving fans eager to see who will join him and Lionel Richie for the upcoming season.

"I've said several names. I think P!nk has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks," he recently told Billboard. "It's been something Disney has been really tightlipped about with  Lionel [Richie] and Ryan [Seacrest] and me. We currently haven't heard what the story is on who's coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we're just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide." 

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Bryan continued, "I think they're just working real hard to find somebody that can really come in and do the job that Katy did."

As one of the current judges, Bryan's opinion holds weight when it comes to discussing potential candidates for the vacant judging spot. Bryan said he would love to see a strong female vocalist take Perry's place. This suggestion aligns with the show's tradition of having a diverse panel of judges who bring different musical backgrounds and perspectives to the table.

Speculation has been rife in the entertainment industry about who could join the judging panel for the next season of 'American Idol.' Names like Jennifer Hudson, Demi Lovato, and Carrie Underwood have all been thrown into the mix by fans and industry insiders alike. 

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The  American Idol fandom is divided over who should replace Katy Perry as a judge. Tapping P!nk could attract more Generation X and Baby Boomer viewers, given her widespread appeal and established career. However, Meghan Trainor might be the franchise's secret weapon to draw in Millennials and Gen Z, thanks to her strong social media presence and relatable personality, particularly on TikTok. If Trainor joins the show, there's speculation that her friend and influencer Chris Olsen, known for his powerhouse vocals and musical theater background, might audition. His participation could create a viral moment and make him a fan favorite, adding a fresh dynamic to the show.

The departure of Perry from American Idol marks the end of an era for the show, as Perry brought her own brand of star power and charisma to the judging panel. Her playful dynamic with Bryan and Richie will be missed, but fans are eager to see who will bring a fresh perspective and energy to the show moving forward.

As the rumors and speculation continue to swirl, one thing is certain - the next season of 'American Idol' is shaping up to be exciting.

Photo Credit: @lukebryan on Instagram.